The benefits of healthy eating – my personal experience

Dear Readers,

It is extremely common for autistic individuals to struggle with managing their emotions. According to psychological studies, “Children and teens are four times more likely to have a problem managing their emotions than other youths. Behaviours that are fairly common in children with autism, such as tantrums, hitting or injuring themselves or others, yelling, social withdrawal and even extreme silliness, may stem from a problem with regulating emotions.” Researchers from the study also found a strong link between the number of autistic individuals with a higher rate of anxiety. Up until recently, these problems have been a massive challenge for me. But a recent change in diet has brought some incredible results, not only with my mood, but in my energy too. In this post, I would like to tell you a bit more about my new eating habits, and the changes I have experienced.

In the autumn last year, my mum decided to try the Fast 800 Mediterranean (Keto) eating plan created by Michael Moseley. According to their website, “The Fast 800 Keto is slightly higher in carbohydrates than a traditional ketogenic diet, as we combine a keto diet with a lower calorie diet (around 800-1000 calories a day).” After a few weeks, the eating plan moves on to a more relaxed version, which can be best described as a healthy Mediterranean diet. I am a very adventurous eater, so naturally, I was intrigued by the different foods that my mum was making, and asked if she could make some extra meals for me to try. As I joined her in the new journey to healthy eating, we ate meals that were lower in carbs and sugar, lower in saturated fats and more focused on quality protein, but were still filling and nutrient-dense. After a few days, I started to notice the small differences that we were making were having a big impact in my life.

One of the first things I noticed was higher energy levels. I participated in tech week for my end of year drama show , just 2 weeks into my new diet. Usually, tech week is the one part of theatre that actors hate; stopping and starting scenes with the lighting and effects team, panicking about being ready for the show at the end of the week, and the worst bit: exhaustion from staying back for late nights in the rehearsal studio. As the halfway point in the dreaded tech week came, I braced myself for the impact, expecting to feel overtired, unwell and wanting the show to finish so I could go back to my early nights in bed… but nothing happened. And for the first time, I actually enjoyed myself! The show went amazingly well, and although I inevitably felt tired afterwards, I actually felt a lot better than ever before.

My increase in energy has been really helpful when I’m performing on stage. But one of the bigger changes that I’ve experienced has been in my behaviour and my mood. I am now getting along with my family a lot better than I used to, and I get a lot less overwhelmed. Many of you may remember that celebrations, such as Christmas, have been hard for me in the past. But our most recent Christmas Day was actually one of the best ones. Instead of getting overwhelmed and having to withdraw to my room, I was able to stay downstairs and have fun with my family, whilst still regulating my emotions.

However, on the odd occasion I have found myself going back to my old ways. The effect of this was something I had to learn the hard way. A few days ago, we went to our family’s favourite bakery for breakfast, for the first time since the diet began. I was drawn to my usual order of a chocolate chunk cookie and a mocha. The rules of the diet don’t say that I am not allowed to eat any sugar at all, and I haven’t had any reactions to this breakfast before. I should be fine, right? Well, I soon realised I was wrong. As I finished my last mouthful, my stomach started cartwheeling, my anxiety went through the roof, and I felt tired. I have since learned to restrict my sugar intake, as it can make me feel unwell and struggle to regulate my emotions.

The afternoon of this incident, my parents and I talked about what happened. And that’s when we suddenly realized that there could be a link between my new diet and my mood. I decided to do some more research and find out.

According to the National Library of Medicine, “The reported therapeutic affects of a ketogenic diet include mood stability, increased energy and concentration, and reductions in symptoms of anxiety, depression and psychosis. Relapse occurred in several individuals on discontinuation of the diet.” I feel this not only explains my increase in energy and ability to regulate emotions, but also why I suddenly changed back to my old self after that meal from the bakery. Whilst I can have a little sugar from time to time, I accidentally had too much sugar at once, consuming nearly all of my calories for the day.

We have since relaxed our keto diet, but have learned new ways of eating that now form the basis of a healthy Mediterranean diet. The eating plan has changed my energy levels and my day to day emotions for the better. I now feel much happier, and I am able to enjoy socializing and hobbies more than I used to. I’m certainly not advocating that the diet I followed is right for everyone. But given that anxiety is often a more significant issue for autistic individuals, I think that my experience has shown the benefits for people like me eating as healthily as possible.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post, and I can’t wait to see you back next time!